In moments of uncertainty and heightened concern, leadership demands clarity, steadiness, and fidelity to the principles that bind us together as a nation. These are such times.

As Americans and as public servants, we recognize that the strength of our democracy rests not in fear or division, but in our collective commitment to justice, order, and the rule of law. When concerns arise within our communities, it is not only appropriate but necessary that we listen, speak thoughtfully, and act responsibly.

As elected members of the Dayton City Commission, we have sworn an oath to uphold the United States Constitution, the laws of the State of Ohio, and the ordinances of the City of Dayton. That oath is not symbolic. It is a solemn promise to govern with integrity, restraint, and respect for the dignity of every person who calls Dayton home.

The Constitution of the United States affirms that liberty is not selective, it is the birthright of all. Embedded in our founding is the belief that every man and woman is endowed with inherent dignity and equal protection under the law. These ideals are echoed at the very gateway of our nation, where the Statue of Liberty proclaims: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” That promise has guided generations from those who arrived from Europe seeking opportunity to African Americans who fought, waited, and sacrificed to claim freedoms long denied.

These truths are not abstract. They are deeply personal. Each of us holds these rights dear, not as privileges, but as responsibilities to one another, and to the law itself. Let us be clear: the City of Dayton does not seek to defy federal law, nor does it excuse unlawful behavior of any kind. Law and order are the foundation of a safe and thriving community. At the same time, it is our duty to ensure that the law is applied in a manner that is constitutional, orderly, and consistent with our values as a nation and as a city.

Dayton’s approach to public safety has long been rooted in evidence-based policy, community trust, and investment in quality of life. We know that strong neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and mutual respect between residents and law enforcement are not in conflict with public safety, they are essential to it.

Through initiatives such as Welcome Dayton, our city has worked deliberately to support immigrant integration, ensure access to services, and strengthen police-community relations. The Dayton Police Department has been clear and consistent: its mission is to focus on local crime and public safety. It does not enforce federal immigration law, nor does it routinely engage in federal immigration enforcement actions. This focus allows officers to build trust, prevent crime, and keep all residents safer.

Dayton cannot afford another tragedy, especially as we continue the work of healing from past ones. Healing requires calm leadership, lawful action, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.

We believe America is strongest when it lives up to its highest ideals. We believe Dayton reflects those ideals when we govern with courage, compassion, and respect for the law. And we believe that ensuring safety and upholding constitutional rights are not competing goals, but shared obligations.

We will continue to do our duty. We will ensure the law is followed. And we will lead in a way that honors both the Constitution we swore to uphold and the people we were elected to serve.

The City of Dayton continues to prioritize safety in Downtown Dayton through a proactive, visible policing strategy focused on prevention, early intervention, and accountability.

Over the past year, the Dayton Police Department (DPD) has expanded full-time bike patrols, increased foot patrols, and added staffing dedicated specifically to the downtown area. These efforts are supported by the department’s Real Time Crime Center, which provides officers with timely information to help them respond quickly and proactively.

This coordinated approach has led to a significant increase in self-initiated enforcement actions by officers downtown—meaning officers are identifying and addressing violations through proactive patrols and visibility, rather than responding only to calls for service. Compared to previous periods:

• Narcotics violations are up 100%
• Drug equipment violations are up 300%
• Weapon law violations are up 1,700%

These increases reflect a shift toward proactive policing and targeted enforcement—not an increase in reported violent crime downtown. With increased visibility and staffing, officers are identifying violations that previously went undetected.

Several cases have involved convicted violent felons who have historically contributed to ongoing issues in the downtown area. Through focused enforcement and collaboration with partner agencies, officers are working to hold these individuals accountable and prevent future harm.

As part of the City’s continued investment in downtown safety and accessibility, Dayton Police will soon be opening a Central Patrol substation near the Greater Dayton RTA Hub. The substation will provide officers with a centralized downtown location to support patrol operations, increase visibility, and enhance responsiveness in the surrounding area.

City officials emphasize that Downtown Dayton remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. The enhanced policing strategy is designed to maintain that vitality by ensuring officers are visible, engaged with the community, and addressing concerns early.

The City of Dayton and Dayton Police Department remain committed to continuing these proactive safety efforts and working closely with residents, businesses, and visitors to keep downtown welcoming and safe.

Understanding the Numbers

Do the increases in enforcement mean crime is rising downtown? No. The increases reflect more proactive enforcement, not an increase in violent crime. With increased visibility and staffing, officers are identifying violations that previously went undetected.

Many of these actions involve individuals already prohibited from certain activities under the law, including convicted felons unlawfully possessing weapons. The goal is prevention, accountability, and long-term community safety.